Tracend

Movies with mathematicians always seem to have their protagonists stretch human thought to its limits, constantly reminding us that intelligence and insanity are two sides of the same coin.

In my thirties I feel a bit torn and probably get too paranoid at times. I’m wondering if the whole world is conspiring against my success or am I just a half-wit dilutional asshole? Nevertheless, objectively “the world” has been wrong about me numerous times, and speculations divert more from the facts as I try to elevate my mindset to higher levels…

- Good Will Hunting
This might be the first movie (for my generation) that grounded maths to a human level. Surely a touching film and I could see similarities with my life (and partner). I can even recall being a “golden boy” among professors in the past. But like this story, I had to let down a lot of people to do what I wanted. It’s not about being self-centered. It’s the price you are paying when you don’t follow what is expected from you simply because you consider it to be sub par.

- A Beautiful Mind
This story definitely relates more with the paranoid side of brainstorming, mentioned above. The movie encapsulates the fear of almost all innovators – that maybe their ideas are not as original as they think they are – maybe it is in fact the need to be special rather than the actual accomplishment of the creation. It is intriguing and a personal concern – but then again if we knew beforehand what would be the point of living? The solution of the story is also educational – you can try to live with your handicap, whatever that is, and still be exceptional. In the end, it doesn’t matter what you think or what skills/defects you have – all that matters is what happens.

- Proof
An interesting story of a woman dismissing her intelligence in the fear that it will lead her to madness. I have been many times the witness of people patronizing smart minds, mainly out of intimidation and inability to understand. That does bring isolation on the table that could make someone socially unstable or worse. But being a bright mind is a gift by itself and an added responsibility to learn and control. Like any other weapon, at times you put it away and other times you point it appropriately. You only need to use the percentage of your brain needed in every occasion – that will bring the right balance.

- Pi
Reaching the limits of paranoia, this movie is considered a cult classic – both by cinephiles and scientists. If there is any movie that can bring you closer to the true meaning of God – this is it. The story of a man driven so much by his ambitions to understand the world that he ultimately burns out himself. A fine lesson and a nice reminder that above all we are still bounded by the limits of our existence.

It’s still debatable if all this is effort to mentally excel is indeed worth it – considering all the side-effects. What’s more interesting to me though is that there is a certain point in intellectual advancement after which you will become an outcast. If people don’t understand you, they will label you insane…